Currently cataloged in our collection database are 96,000 bird specimens, 28,500 mammal specimens, and 11,000 egg and nest specimens. Specimens originate from over 120 countries, but the strengths of the department are its extensive holdings of birds and mammals from western North America, as well as important collections from Mexico and Central America, the Galapagos Islands, the Solomon Islands, China, Myanmar, the Philippines, and eastern Africa. The department contains one of the world's largest collections of marine mammals with several thousand specimens of seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, sea otters, and sirenians.
The collections are available to researchers, artists, and other individuals with pre-approved projects that require access. The Department of Ornithology & Mammalogy may be able to provide additional information about some specimens that may not be recorded in our on-line databases. Researchers needing access to specimens in the Ornithology & Mammalogy collections should contact the Collections Manager (mflannery at calacademy.org). If specimens are needed for a loan, please refer to our Loan Policy.
Accuracy and Limitation of Liability
Although we make every attempt to provide reliable taxonomic, biological, distribution and ecological data, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of these data. Identifications are provisional and should be verified by direct inspection of the specimens whenever possible. Additionally, we strive to keep up with continuing changes in taxonomy, nomenclature, and geopolitical boundaries, but not all changes may be immediately reflected in the database. We appreciate notification of any errors or inconsistencies in the data. The Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy, the California Academy of Sciences, or any of its staff or associates are not liable for loss or damages resulting from use of these data.